Dominican Summer League Cardinals add nine

Brian Walton

05/29/2012

In preparation for Saturday's opening day of the 2012 DSL season, the Cardinals have signed nine young players.

Under second-year skipper Frey Peniche, the Dominican Summer League Cardinals begin their 2012 season on Saturday, June 2. In preparation, the St. Louis Cardinals organization has signed nine new recruits, all of whom will be suiting up for the first time as professionals with the DSL Cards.

Eight hail from the Dominican Republic with one calling Colombia home. They range in ages from 17 to 20 with none considered top prospects at this point.

In a reminder you can never have enough pitching, seven call the mound home, including six right-handers. An infielder and a catcher fill out the ranks of the new recruits.

This new group joins 25 incumbents on the DSL Cardinals roster, bringing the total count at the Dominican academy to 34 players. All organizations, including the Cardinals, may begin signing players as part of next year's class on July 2.

When you click on the link to view the DSL Cardinals roster, you may note 13 members of last year's team are still listed there with the indication "EST." Those players are currently competing in Extended Spring Training camp in Jupiter, Fla. Once they are assigned to a short-season club for 2012, they will be moved to their new team roster here at The Cardinal Nation and on the Roster Matrix at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Other academy notes

Two new pitchers: DSL Cardinals outfielders Jose Pena and catcher Fernando Baez have been converted to pitching. The latter is especially throwing well and if he continues, will likely receive consideration to be moved up to the Gulf Coast League at some point during the summer.

Reyes' clock is ticking: For the second consecutive year, infielder Robelys Reyes is not in Extended Spring Training camp, instead stuck on the island due to visa issues. Already the defending DSL batting champion after hitting .378 last summer, the switch-hitter has absolutely nothing to prove in returning there and turns 22 years of age in July.

Where is Serrano? The Cardinals continue to await word from Major League Baseball on Andres Serrano's investigation. The action has been in pending status since October. The right-handed pitcher turned 18 today, May 29, and is set to receive a reported signing bonus of $750,000 - if all checks out.

Unlike countryman Carlos Martinez two years ago, Serrano cannot play in the DSL without an approved contract. He will be placed on the Restricted List if the investigation is not complete by opening day, Saturday.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnationblog.com. Also catch his Cardinals commentary daily at The Cardinal Nation blog. Follow Brian on Twitter.